Full Text of Ohio House State Representative Nickie Antonio's Speech at the Cleveland Women's March

LAKEWOOD, OH — Thousands of people, mostly women made their way to Cleveland's Public Square for the Women's March on Saturday.

The Cleveland Women's March was one of many happening simultaneously all over the U.S. and the world on Saturday. According to the event's Facebook page, the goal of the event was to amplify the following message:

In solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington, we will march in Cleveland. We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.

Nickie Antonio, Minority Whip, District 13, Marcia Fudge, U.S. Representative, 11th District of Ohio, and Marci Kaptur, U.S. Representative, 9th District of Ohio were just a few of the speakers at the event.

Here is the full text from Rep. Antonio's speech:

Women’s March Cleveland Saturday Jan. 21, 2017

Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio House State Representative

Thank You Laura and Claudia- we owe a debt of gratitude to you for organizing this march today- and this is their very first organizing event How awesome is that! They are a wonderful example of powerful women taking things into their own hands and making it happen! Thank You!!!

Hello Cleveland! Hello Women- today we are all women!

I am proud to serve in the Ohio House and proud to serve the people of Ohio. It is sobering to know that the work we do, impacts the 11 million people of the state of Ohio. I am also honored to share the stage with so many awesome women leaders in our community.

I kept hearing the same question- Why a women’s march? Why are you marching in January? There are many reasons.

There are many women on my mind today- who do I march for?

I march for my mother June, a poor hard working woman who did not live to see me elected to office but always told me to be myself, work hard and never let anyone squash my dreams, she told me and I’m telling you, don’t let anyone say you can’t do anything.

I march for our daughters Ariel and Stacey our personal contributions to progressive politics. Jean and I are proud that our strong daughters are marching in their home cities of Portland and Boston today.

WE March for the right of all women-regardless of race or creed to be full citizens and enjoy not only the right to vote but the right to self determination, reproductive justice, and full equality including equal pay. Full Equality and Equal Pay for African American and Latina women who currently make less than their white sisters- Equal pay for all!

We March Because, In the words of Hillary Clinton:

“Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely -- and the right to be heard."

Today we are exercising our right to be heard! So good for all of us!! Good for you!!!

We March for our sisters, brothers and trans family members for full equality, protection and civil rights for all members of the LGBTQ community. And we must continue to remember and stand up for those living with HIV&AIDS. Because Hate is not a family value and love trumps hate. Every time. We are going to have work a lot on this.

We March together in solidarity young, old, rich, poor, black, white, Asian, Latina finding so much more that we have in common and than that which divides us.

We March together in love because in our America All People are Equal.

We March because we are a nation of immigrants- As many of you- I am the granddaughter of immigrants – very few of us are native to this land. Those workers and those seeking sanctuary can be respected not maligned- in our America Immigrants and Refugees –documented and undocumented –in our America all are welcome!

In Our America-

Black Lives Matter- period.

Love Wins

Peace is patriotic

Healthcare is a right not a privilege

People with disabilities are respected

In our America

Women, not policy makers, are in charge of their bodies

People and the Planet are valued over profit

Diversity is not only tolerated, Diversity is Celebrated

We March because in our America-

We have a common goal to lift up all to their highest potential to be their best selves and live their best lives. May we march today and begin anew tomorrow organizing and together doing the work to make our vision of America the reality!

Women Rise up! You have the right to speak and be heard! This is how we change the world!! Thank You!

Cleveland, let’s march!

Photo: Nickie Antonio